Galway West By-election: Housing, Cost of Living, Emigration Dominate Campaign

The Galway West by-election campaign is in its final week, with housing, the cost of living, and emigration being the primary concerns for voters. The Journal joined leading centre-left candidates Helen Ogbu (Labour) and Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich (Social Democrats) on Friday.

Labour candidate Helen Ogbu canvassed in Shantalla with party leader Ivana Bacik, emphasizing her local roots. She encountered a healthcare worker emigrating to Australia due to difficulty finding local work, a story Ogbu noted is increasingly common. The cost of living was also a frequent complaint, with voters citing unaffordable rents and the need for long commutes.

Social Democrats candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich launched her party’s Renters’ Charter, focusing on tenant protections and limiting evictions. She stated that housing, combined with the cost of living, health, and transport, creates insecurity, especially for younger voters who feel there is no future or quality of life in Ireland. Both Ogbu and Nic Fhionnlaoich are part of the 'vote left, transfer left' coalition. The by-election will take place this May.